Miao Ying Immortal Empires campaign noob question

Ive gotten hooked the past week and Im starting off with Miao Ying in Immortal Empires but Im super stuck like just 15 turns in, playing on normal. I cant put down the rebel lords fully and then chaos guys are coming in over the wall even before the meter is full with a level 14 hero and an almost full stack and I get rocked. Im supposed to take the snake gate but Im not strong enough

Im watching zerkovichs tactics videos and improving.

Do i just stick to like 2 or 3 settlements for a bit and tech up and go for snake gate to holf ot? Do I try to focus down the rebel lords asap to get some extra economy and settlements and income? Do I just aim for one full stack BEFORE starting a second army? Focus on peasant archers and spearman and horseman or go right to jade warriors and crossbowman? Im leveling up my heroes but feel like Im getting steam rolled immediately.

Loving the game and Im a civilization and stellaris veteran so grand strategy isnt unfamiliar but I feel like Im missing some basic build order stuff or prioritization for early game at the campaign level. Any help is appreciated.